If you love the comforting vibes of pasta combined with the bold, zesty flavors of tacos, then you’re going to be obsessed with this Taco Spaghetti Recipe. This dish brings together savory ground beef, spicy taco seasoning, juicy Rotel tomatoes, and creamy melted cheddar cheese, all simmered with spaghetti noodles for an effortless, one-pan dinner that’s bursting with flavor. It’s quick to whip up, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for a busy weeknight or casual hangout where everyone’s craving something fun and hearty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays an essential role in building the perfect balance of texture, taste, and vibrant color in this Taco Spaghetti Recipe. From the warming spices to the creamy cheese, every element comes together beautifully in this dish.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps cook the beef evenly without drying it out.
- Ground beef: The protein-packed base that delivers hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
- Yellow onions, chopped: Bring a sweet, aromatic depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Taco seasoning: Infuses the meat with bold spices that make this dish unmistakably taco-inspired.
- Rotel tomatoes (do not drain): Provide a juicy kick and a hint of heat with their diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Spaghetti noodles (uncooked): The classic pasta base that soaks up all the delicious sauce and spices.
- Water: Necessary for cooking the noodles right in the skillet without extra pots or mess.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into the dish for that creamy, cheesy finish everyone loves.
- Chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and chopped onions, cooking them together until the beef is nicely browned and the onions have softened into sweet little morsels. This step builds the savory foundation that everything else will rest on, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Taco Seasoning and Rotel Tomatoes
Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the entire can of Rotel tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything well so the meat becomes evenly coated in those delicious taco spices and the tomatoes add a vibrant, tangy splash of flavor. Let this mixture mingle for a couple of minutes to wake up all those fantastic tastes.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti Noodles with Liquid
Here’s where the magic happens: add the uncooked spaghetti noodles right into the skillet, then pour in the water. Give it a good stir to make sure the noodles are mostly submerged. Bring this to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. The noodles will absorb the flavorful liquid, cooking directly in your taco-infused sauce so you skip the mess of boiling pasta separately.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheddar Cheese
When the spaghetti is tender and most of the liquid has cooked off, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Watch it melt slowly into a rich, creamy sauce that ties the whole dish together and adds that irresistible cheesy richness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and finish with a generous sprinkle of vibrant chopped cilantro. This final touch adds freshness and a pop of color that makes it look just as amazing as it tastes!
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Taco Spaghetti with extra chopped cilantro for a fresh note, or try a dollop of sour cream to mellow out the spices. For a little extra kick, sliced jalapeños or diced avocado make excellent additions that bring texture and cooling contrasts.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crunchy side salads dressed in tangy vinaigrette, buttery garlic bread perfect for sopping up the sauce, or even Mexican street corn sprinkled with cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime to keep the meal festive and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For mealtime fun, serve Taco Spaghetti in individual mini cast iron skillets or colorful bowls, letting everyone customize their own toppings station with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, and a squeeze of fresh lime. It’s a great way to turn dinner into an interactive feast that feels like a party in your own kitchen!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Taco Spaghetti in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches, as the flavors tend to meld even further, making each bite tastier.
Freezing
Want to save this Taco Spaghetti Recipe for later? Cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or bake it from frozen for a convenient, comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain that creamy texture. If reheating from frozen, pop it in a 350°F oven until heated through, and add a splash of water if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives and work perfectly with this Taco Spaghetti Recipe. Just be sure to season them well with taco seasoning so you don’t lose that signature flavorful kick.
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes, though spaghetti is classic, other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni will work well. Just remember to cook them al dente before combining with the sauce or adjust cooking times slightly if you cook pasta directly in the skillet.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out ground beef for black beans, lentils, or your favorite plant-based meat substitute. The taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes carry the flavor, so the dish remains vibrant and delicious without meat.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
For sure! Add chopped jalapeños while cooking, use a hot taco seasoning, or sprinkle in cayenne pepper for extra heat. You can even top it with a hot sauce drizzle when serving to dial up the zing according to your taste.
How long does the Taco Spaghetti Recipe take to make?
One of the best parts is how quick it is! From start to finish, this recipe takes about 20 minutes, making it a perfect choice when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Spaghetti Recipe is a delightful blend of two beloved comfort foods that brings out the best in both: creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold taco flavors, all in one easy skillet meal. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends with a twist on an old favorite, this dish is guaranteed to become a go-to you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you lived without it!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Taco Spaghetti is a delicious fusion recipe combining the bold, spiced flavors of tacos with hearty spaghetti noodles. Featuring seasoned ground beef, diced Rotel tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, this one-pan dish is quick, creamy, and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. With fresh cilantro garnish and customizable spice options, it’s an easy and satisfying weeknight meal that brings two favorite comfort foods together in one flavorful, cheesy casserole.
Ingredients
Taco Spaghetti Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup yellow onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes (do not drain)
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles (uncooked)
- 3 cups water
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for browning the beef and sautéing the onions.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: Add the ground beef and chopped onions to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are softened, stirring occasionally to crumble the meat.
- Add Seasoning and Rotel: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and the entire can of Rotel tomatoes with their juices. Mix everything well and let it combine.
- Add Spaghetti and Water: Place the uncooked spaghetti noodles into the skillet, then pour in 3 cups of water. Stir to combine evenly with the beef mixture.
- Simmer the Dish: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the spaghetti is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and blends smoothly into the taco spaghetti, creating a cheesy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve the taco spaghetti hot for an enjoyable, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or diced avocado on top before serving.
- If you prefer more heat, include sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- This dish can be refrigerated and reheated within 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, but spaghetti works best for this recipe.
